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  • Mon 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Tue 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Wed 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Thu 8:00AM - 5:00PM
  • Fri 8:00AM - 5:00PM
    Sat Appointment Only
  • Sun Appointment Only

GLOSSARY OF HVAC TERMS AND DEFINITIONS

At Carolina Air Services of Raleigh, we believe it can be very helpful for our customers to understand the many terms and acronyms in the HVAC industry. You may find that it is easier for you to communicate with a HVAC professional and explain your indoor comfort needs after learning these terms. Thanks for your interest in your HVAC investment!

Courtesy of the Air Conditioning Contractors of America (http://www.acca.org/)

13 SEER
This is the new minimum efficiency standard (effective January 2006) for an air conditioner or heat pump. All new units must now meet this standard. Previously manufactured equipment may be used, sold, and installed. SEER is defined later.

ACCA
The Air Conditioning Contractors of America, a national trade association that represents heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration contractors.

AIR HANDLING UNIT
Equipment with a heating element and/or cooling coil and other components in a cabinet or casing.

AHRI
Air-Conditioning, Heating and Refrigeration Institute, a non-profit, voluntary organization composed of heating, air conditioning and refrigeration manufacturers. AHRI publishes standards for testing and rating heat pumps and air conditioners.

BALANCING or AIR BALANCING
Adjusting an air conditioning system so that the right amount of air is delivered to the right places in your home in order to achieve the right heating or cooling effect.

BTU
British Thermal Unit, the measurement of heating and air conditioning capacity. A BTU is the amount of heat that must be added to one pound of water to raise its temperature one degree Fahrenheit.

CFC
Chlorofluorocarbons, used as a refrigerant in air conditioners and heat pumps, linked to the depletion of the ozone layer.

COP
Coefficient of performance, an efficiency ratio that compares the amount of heat delivered to the amount of energy used. As with MPG on a car, the higher the score the more energy efficient the equipment is.

COIL
A heating or cooling element made of pipe or tubing, usually with plates or fins.

COMMISSIONING
The final step in installing a heating or air conditioning system. Every component is checked and tested for compliance with codes, ACCA manuals, manufacturer requirements, and occupant needs. After commissioning, the technician will: provide documentation of testing, provide all equipment manuals, and show the homeowner how to operate the system.

CONDENSER (HEAT EXCHANGER)
The outside unit of a heating or air conditioning system. Here the refrigerant condenses from a gas to a liquid and hot or cold air from the building is released to the outside.

DEHUMIDIFIER
A device that removes excess moisture from the air.

DOE
The U.S. Department of Energy, the federal agency that sets industry efficiency standards.

DUCT
Conduits used to carry air. They can be round or rectangular, sheet metal or fiberglass or vinyl tubes. In air conditioning systems they carry air from the home to the air conditioning system or furnace and back to the home.

ERV
Energy Recovery Ventilator, a machine that draws fresh air into the home and exhausts stale air from the home. It uses a process to preheat or pre-cool (depending on the season) to reduce energy costs associated with conditioning the air.

ENERGY STAR®
A government supported branding used to identify energy efficient products. The branding was developed by the US Department of Energy and the US Environmental Protection Agency.

EPA
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency.

FAN COIL
See AIR HANDLING UNIT

FURNACE
A self-contained heating unit that is designed to deliver heated air to a home.

GAMA
Gas Appliance Manufacturing Association is a national trade association serving the interests of manufacturers of gas, oil, and electric appliances and equipment, components and related products used in residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

HCFC
Hydrochlorofluorocarbons, used as a refrigerant in air conditioners and heat pumps. HCFCs were thought to contribute to the depletion of the earth's ozone layer.

HEAT EXCHANGER
1. The part of a furnace that transfers heat from burning fuel to the air used to heat your home. Also, from a boiler to water for hydronic heating.
2. A device, such as a condenser or evaporator, in which heat is added or removed in order to heat or cool your home.

HEAT PUMP
A single refrigeration system designed to provide both heating and cooling. Compare to a furnace and an air conditioner, separate units that only heat or cool.

HRV
Heat Recovery Venilator, a machine that brings fresh air into a home through a process that preheats the air so it has less impact on your utility bill.

HFC
Hydroflorocarbon, used as a refrigerant in air conditioners and heat pumps. It has little or no effect on the ozone layer.

HSPF
Heating Seasonal Performance Factor, an equipment efficiency rating. As with MPG on a car, the higher the rating the more fuel efficient the equipment is.

HUMIDIFIER
A device that adds moisture to warm air for your home.

HVAC
Heating, ventilating, and air conditioning

HVACR
Heating, ventilating, air conditioning, and refrigeration

INFILTRATION
Air that enters your home through holes, gaps, and cracks, (e.g., plumbing or electrical holes, the heating and air conditioning system, doors, and windows).

IAQ
Indoor air quality

LATENT HEAT
The energy that suspends moisture vapor in the air.

LOAD CALCULATION
A mathematical determination of how much cooling and heating (BTUs) an HVAC system must deliver for occupant safety and comfort. It is based on a variety of factors: square footage, building orientation, number of occupants, size and placement of rooms, number and size of windows and doors, amount of insulation, number of floors, and climate.

MANUAL D®
An ACCA procedure covering the proper design, installation, maintenance, and repair of ductwork.

MANUAL J®
An ACCA procedure covering the method for calculating heating and cooling requirements (load calculation) for single-family detached homes and mobile homes.

MANUAL RS®
An ACCA publication covering the design, installation, and commissioning of a residential HVAC system.

MATCHED SYSTEM
An air conditioner or heat pump system composed of equipment that has been certified by ARI to work together to deliver the specified heating and cooling capacity at the stated efficiency rating.

MOLD
A natural byproduct of the fungi family that thrives when organic substances and water combine under certain circumstances. Mold reproduces via spores that can remain dormant, yet viable, for years. Many molds are beneficial. For example, they are the "bleu" in bleu cheese, and we use them to make wine, penicillin, and antibiotics. However, some molds can cause health problems.

NATE
North American Technician Excellence, the nonprofit organization that tests and certifies HVACR technicians.

PMA
Planned maintenance agreement, which provides regular maintenance of your HVACR system. Most ACCA member contractors offer PMAs, although they may use different names for them, such as Maintenance Inspection Agreement, Planned Service Agreement, Energy Service Plan, etc.

R-22
A refrigerant containing chlorine used in air conditioning systems. The EPA has mandated that R-22 cannot be manufactured after 2010 because it has been linked to the depletion of the ozone layer and global warming. Most commonly referred to by its trademarked name, Freon.

R-410A
The refrigerant that replaces R-22. It does not contain chlorine and is not hazardous to the environment.

REFRIGERANT
A fluid that absorbs heat at low temperatures and rejects heat at higher temperatures.

REFRIGERANT CHARGE (or, "charging the refrigerant")
The procedure an HVACR technician performs to ensure that the system has enough of the right kind refrigerant for peak operating performance.

RELATIVE HUMIDITY (RH)
The percent of moisture actually in the air compared to the maximum amount of moisture the air can hold at that temperature.

RETURN, RETURN AIR, RETURN SIDE
The path the air takes to get to an air-handling unit or furnace so it can be cooled or heated. It is the "return" path. The return side should be "balanced" with the supply side to ensure proper air flow and comfort.

SEER
Seasonal Energy Efficiency Ratio, an equipment efficiency rating that measures how much energy it takes to cool the air. As with MPG on a car, the higher the number the more efficient the unit.

SENSIBLE HEAT
The temperature of the air. This type of heat is measured with a thermometer.

SPLIT SYSTEM
A two-component heating and cooling (heat pump) or cooling only (air conditioner) system. The condensing unit is installed outside, the air handling unit is installed inside (preferably in conditioned space). Refrigerant lines and wiring connect them together.

SUPPLY or SUPPLY SIDE
The part of an HVAC system that takes (supplies) the conditioned air from the air-handling unit or furnace to your home. The supply side should be "balanced" with the return side to ensure proper air flow and comfort.

ZONES, ZONED SYSTEM, ZONING
A single HVAC system that can meet different heating and cooling needs in different areas (zones). Each zone of a home has its own thermostat with which it can regulate the temperature and humidity in its area. One "zoned air conditioner" could be set for a high temperature in one zone and for a lower temperature in the other zone. Zone systems have two or more zones.

Energy Star Tax Credits

What Our Customers Are Saying

I contacted Blake yesterday since my AC was not working properly. We texted and he let me know I needed to turn it off so as to not cause any damage to the system. Blake worked me into his day. When he arrived, he repaired my HVAC system in less than an hour. As always, he was professional and explained everything that he did and showed me the little part that had worn out. I appreciate his assistance! I would rate Blake as 10 out of 10!!


-Kathy Gogarty-Gajan

Derek and Blake did fantastic in finding the minute leak on the copper joint on my 2nd floor HVAC. I know by discussion with Derek that he would have replaced the outdoor HVAC unit if they could not find the leak at no cost to me. That is highest form of trust, truth in advertising and honoring the warranty. I also told Derek that my June electric bill had a very large drop in cost due to the two new HVACs compared to the May bill. Thanks for all!


-Dave and Valerie Shunk

We have been clients of Carolina Air since 2018 and have found them to be prompt, knowledgeable & professional with each visit - especially our technician Blake. He is always willing to share his knowledge & expertise with us to help us better care for our unit. We would highly recommend them to anyone looking a good, reputable company to service their heating & cooling units. Best regards,


-Bob & Kathie Laufhutte

I am appreciative of prompt, reliable and thorough service with a very personal touch. Blake was patient did not appear rushed during his visit with us. I also greatly appreciated the flexibility I have been offered in scheduling future service. With other companies, I felt I was being taken advantage of but certainly do not have that sense with Carolina Air.


-Bob Doud

I thought I had a thermostat problem but Blake quickly analyzed what I had observed on the thermostat and went to check the HAVAC outside. In approximately two minutes he found the problem: a contactor had burnt out. My thanks to Blake House and Carolina Air!
Update: I called in Thursday morning (21 Dec) and asked if Blake House could stop by Friday because the thermostat was not working correctly. Blake texted me during the day (Thursday) and said he would stop by after his last call! Blake stopped by at 6 PM Thursday night and installed a new thermostat. The HAVAC is now providing amazing heat! My thanks to all!


-Dave Shunk

Blake was the tech that came out to our home and he was nothing short of a courteous professional- exactly what you would want from this type of service. He listened carefully to each of our concerns and answered all of our questions. He also went above and beyond to address the issues we had. I couldn't recommend this company and Blake more.


-Kyle Clifton

We finally found a great HVAC company we can trust. Blake came out on a Saturday and was so detailed. He explained the exact problem and how to fix it. He was very professional and courteous. We will be purchasing a maintenance plan to ensure our system is functioning at it's best ability. Thanks Ryan for reaching out and sending Blake out. He was the BEST!


-Melody B.

My wife and I are extremely happy with Carolina Air Services. Tracy and his team have been providing semi annual service for us as well as emergency repair services for many years. We recently had them replace two 20 year old HVAC systems with modern, updated equipment. This installation was not a simple replacement. It involved relocating both the indoor furnaces and outdoor units to accomplish some other goals that we have. All of Carolina Air Services team members were polite, respectful and most importantly knowledgeable. The job was completed quickly with no interruption in heat or cooling. We give them our highest recommendation!


-Gary K.

Tracy and his team are an excellent team to do business with. They treat you with awesome respect and kindness. They are very patient with you while answering your questions and addressing your concerns. They will do their best to fix the issue at the best rate possible. They guarantee their work.


-Lisa L.

We required service to our furnace during the extreme cold this past winter and as it turned out a replacement of our unit. Tracey and his team were able to perform the replacement in 24 hours, doing an excellent job and upgrading us to a newer more efficient product. I would recommend them for their knowledge, work ethic and excellent customer service.


-Judy K.

I have called Tracy 3-4 times over the last couple years when my AC wasn't working properly and he has always respoded quickly. He and his team are always polite and do a good job! They are honest! It is so nice to work with people that I can say this about. Thank you Tracy and guys for helping me again!


-Cheryl V.

Yesterday I was melting! Today I'm cold! Thanks to Tracy Wood and Carolina Air Services! I will only use Tracy and his awesome team for any and all of my heating and cooling needs! Hands down--the nicest, fastest, most reliable, reasonably priced, and trustworthy service in the Triangle! Thank you!


-Dutchess M.

The installation works as advertised. Nice to get something done that doesn't need a call back or two. Great job.


-Lowell Bonnett

Tracy and his team were the best. They came quickly within an hour on a hot Saturday. They fixed my air conditioning problem quickly and were professional and pleasant the whole time. It was one of the best service calls I have ever had. Thanks


-Warren Briggs

Called Tracy on a Sunday morning at 10am and he was at my house at 1015am. He had the A/C fixed within 20 minutes. Very professional and punctual. I will recommend you and your company to everyone that I can. Thanks again.


-Bradley Macey

Tracy and his team provide fast and quality service at a fair price. We had our AC break down on July 4 th and were pleasantly surprised that they were able to come out to repair our AC on a holiday. Tracy returns calls promptly and shows up when he says he is going to. I have used him twice now and been very satisfied both times.


-Ivan Tseng
  • Wake HBA
  • Home Advisor Screened & Approved
  • Air Conditioning Contractors of America (ACCA)
  • Goodman Manufacturing
  • Fujitsu Elite Contractor


  • Call Us For Service: 919-422-9922